Pilotlight Race and the Voluntary Sector Report

Pilotlight have released their new report 'Learning and Listening for Mutual Action: surfacing and building the evidence base to support Black African, Black Caribbean, Asian and other Minoritised Ethnic led voluntary sector organisations', in which they explore and ask what the specific support needs of organisations in BAME communities and led by BAME individuals are. It is authored by Fancy Sinantha, an independent consultant, together with the support of Cornish and Grey.

The pandemic has cast further light on the level of inequality experienced in our society and especially in BAME communities. Thus, it is ever more imperative that we explore what is needed to minimise this inequality, especially across the VCSE sector. The sector itself is plagued with institutional racism, a critical subject explored by many of our speakers at VSNW’s Festival of North West Thinking, and a problem that needs to be triumphed. Pilotlight’s report recognises that ploughing money into these organisations despite being necessary, does not address these systemic issues, thus paving the way for their report questioning: what are the needs of these organisations?

Vaccine Scam Info Available in Multiple Languages

Sadly, as the UK leads the way in terms of Coronavirus vaccines, some scam artists are using this opportunity to commit fraud. It is vital that information regarding this is widely published, which includes making sure warnings are available in an array of diffierent languages.

The BBC Asian Network has created some fabulous resources exploring vaccine scams in Urdu, Sylheti, Punjabi, Tamil & Gujarati.

For more information and to watch the videos see here.

A 'Northen Big Bang'

The Northern Research Group (NRG), with the Centre for Policy Studies (CPS), has published a report “A Northern Big Bang”. Authored by Jake Berry MP of the Lancashire seat of Rossendale & Darwen since 2010, and Nick King, who is a Research Fellow at the Centre for Policy Studies. Both are originally from the North West.

The report highlights the need for investment in the North of England. The challenge that the authors face is to get the legislative changes needed through a parliament where the majority of members are not from the North. It will be a difficult path for party managers to plot. One would hope that, where possible, there would be cross-party co-operation for the benefit of the region. But, that is beyond the remit of this comment piece. This piece is to offer a number of suggestions that may be of benefit to the process.  

 The first of these is to acknowledge three sectors of the economy. These are the public sector; private sector and community sector. The omission of the third of these, particularly when referencing the area of the UK which saw the foundation of the World Wide Co-Operative movement does seem bizzarre. The UK Social and Community Enterprise movement is an increasing player in local economies and has the advantage of retaining and circulating surplus income within those economies. Indeed, this is referenced and encouraged in the Social Value (Procurement) Act which has been on the stature book since 2013. As far as this report is concerned it may as well not be there!  

 The report makes a case for the re-instatement of capital allowances. These were abolished in 1982 yet do have a place for encouraging investment. The report makes it clear that these allowances will need to be geographic specific to have the desired effect in the North. They will encourage investment but, as the overwhelming majority of the community sector does not pay corporation tax (due to governance structures) this proposal will have minimal impact on sector investment. It may be possible to attract investment via leasing agreements where the lessor claims the allowances and discounts the rentals (as was the case when capital allowances were previously in force) but the VAT levied on lease agreements will negate much of the benefit. As the change in capital allowances will require legislation we suggest that the same legislation allows a zero rating of VAT for registered charities; companies limited by guarantee; CIO and CIC operating within the qualifying geographic area.  

 There is no reference to training and employment readiness – an area of the economy where the community sector has, historically, had great success. There are reports that some 750,000 EU citizens have left the UK during the pandemic. This will leave a huge gap in the workforce. Many of the issues highlighted in the report have led to multi-generational household worklessness. Investment, to tackle this, will be needed in order to address the work force gap. Yes, there will some benefit from internal UK migration. Where this has taken place in the past the effect is less than anticipated.  

 Finally, there is a reference to potential investment that can be unlocked from DC pension schemes. If this strategy is seen as contrary to well established risk strategies within the pension industry, how will this impact on the personal liability of charity trustees in the event of a pension scheme becoming under funded? Whilst one would hope that this is a hypothetical question it will have to appear on the risk register for community bodies that employ people and introduce an extra layer of professional advice that is currently not needed. The NEST pension scheme is seen as a sensible default option and more than adequate for needs. Care needs to be taken to ensure that this government created scheme delivers the risk level option desired by community directors/trustees. We live and employ in the communities that will be affected by complications arising from this matter.  

We have invited Rt Hon Jake Berry,  to speak at a to be arranged seminar and hope that he will accept the invitation. In the meantime please read the report and let Mr Berry know of your views.  

North West DWP Update

Below is an update from the Department of Work and Pensions regarding important information, toolkits and links:

·         Personal Independence Payment Toolkit has been updated to reflect changes following the UK leaving the EU. This toolkit provides a guide for organisations and people in support roles to help explain PIP and changes to Disability Living Allowance to claimants.

·         Guidance has been updated from the 1 January on GOV.UK explaining the rights of benefits and pensions for UK nationals in the EEA or Switzerland and benefits and pensions for EEA and Swiss citizens in the UK

·         £7.5 million pound funding to Tackle Loneliness

·         Mayday for Men – employer advice on male victims of domestic abuse

·         Application for a State Pension Forecast  has been updated

·         Funding for Community Champions to give COVID 19 vaccine advice

·         Changes to Kickstart programme https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/kickstart-scheme

·         New legislation to ensure fair treatment for armed forces

·         Face coverings exemptions

·         Support for offenders - DWP working in partnership with HMPPS, Steering Women Away from Crime, Preventing Prison Leaver Homelessness

·         Funding boost to get more Young People into Work

·         Support for the Aviation Sector

·         Carers Allowance Form has been updated 

·         Children in Poverty Enquiry  - evidence for the enquiry to be submitted by 25thFebruary

·         A consultation  has been launched, aimed at extending debt solutions and helping vulnerable people in financial distress get a fresh start. The consultation closes on the 25 February 2021.

·         This report sets out the key findings from the review by BEIS into how victims of domestic abuse can be supported in the workplace and the actions which government will take as a result

·         From 14 January, victims of domestic abuse will be able to access much needed support from thousands of pharmacies across the UK. The government has teamed up with independent pharmacies and Boots to launch a domestic abuse Ask for ANI  codeword scheme. 

·         The Disability Unit in the Cabinet Office has launched a survey to gather views and experiences for the National Strategy of Disabled People. If views are shared by 13 February, they will inform the development of the strategy. The Survey will remain open until 23 April, and views will be used to inform the delivery of the plans.

Job Centre Updates:

To help keep customers and colleagues as safe as possible in the latest phase of the pandemic Jobcentre opening hours will be 10am to 2pm beginning on Monday the 18 January 2021. Thus, the job centre is amble to provide safe, essential services for those who are unable to interact with them via the phone or digitally. Phone line  opening hours remain as they were. In addition, the Relay UK service and the Video relay service  are both still available. Anyone entering a Jobcentre will be required to wear a face covering, unless they are in an exempt category . We will follow the latest government guidance on meeting with others safely  and lockdown restrictions .

Greater Manchester Covid Insight Reports

Safely Managing Covid-19: Manchester Population Survey

The impacts of coronavirus across the Greater Manchester population have not been evenly distributed. In order to address the lack of detail in national surveys the Greater Manchester Combined Authority are going to carry out regular research on behalf of their partners, exploring the issues and impacts of Covid-19 across Greater Manchester, including it’s 10 local authorities.  

BMG research are using a mixture of monthly online and telephone surveys to collect data from a minimum of 1000 residents in GM, with at least 100 residents in each local authority. Measures are being taken to ensure that respondents reflect the profile of the different areas

 Thus far, there have been two surveys: 

• Survey 1: 20th November- 2nd December 

• Survey 2: 18th December- 31st December 

Survey 1: 

Aim: to provide an overview of key issues/barriers/motivations relating to how GM, individual localities and specific parts of the GM population are “living with Covid-19" 

Brief Summary of findings: 

These groups have been more negatively impacted than others: 

• Young people, particularly those aged 16-24; 

• Residents with young children, and particularly those aged 0-4yrs 

• BME residents overall, but Asian residents in particular; 

• Muslim residents and those for whom English is not their first language; 

• Carers, and residents where someone in their household has been told they are at high risk from COVID; 

• Those with a disability; 

• Residents that have served in the armed forces; 

• Those living in the ‘most deprived’ communities of Greater Manchester, among others. 

Examples of some of the feelings and concerns due to Covid-19 include:

• High levels of worry about the virus, especially amongst those with a disability, children and those in the most deprived neighbourhoods 

• Worries regarding the economy and future of young people, mental health, education 

• Many have big concerns affording bills, food, rent, mortgages etc 

• BAME residents regarded caring for family, those in needs etc a ‘big concern’.  

Selection of impacts Covid-19: 

• Loss of jobs, redundancy (more frequent for 16-24 year olds, students, Asian residents etc), furlough 

• Many self-employed have seen reduction in work  

• 1 in 14 have used foodbanks (1 in 5 amongst those with children aged 0-4 and ex armed forces).

• 1 in 10 have had to borrow money 

• Reports of more support needed widely spread (finding employment, mental health, monetary, childcare) 

Survey 2: 

• Some questions remained the same from survey 1, comparisons made 

• Aims to understand concerns and impacts of the virus 

• Also aims to understand residents feelings towards a second national lockdown and thoughts on vaccinations and mass testing 

Highlights: 

• 1 in 5 have had coronavirus (only 2/3 have had a positive test) 

• 1 in 3 have had to self-isolate (only small number aware of financial suppot payment during this time) 

• Levels of concern have increased 

• Individual concerns increased such as mental health, finances, impacts on children  

• 1 in 10 couldn’t name any of the key symptoms of coronavirus 

• 9 in 10 follows key guidelines for stopping spread of virus 

• 52% feel it is okay to leave house when self-isolating 

• Faith in restrictions decreasing 

• 68% would take part in community testing, those who wouldn’t not informed 

• 75% likely to get vaccine 

• Life satisfaction decreased 

Workforce Well-being in the VCSE Sector.

Workforce Well Being – ACEVO 

ACEVO, in conjunction with Mental Health Foundation England, has published a significant report exploring the well being of the workforce in the VCSE sector. The report can be found here.  

The main findings are grouped under four headings:  

What makes it tough: the vulnerability of charity staff where the commitment and pressures brought by lived experience/personal connection or even a drive for social justice all combine to over burden the workforce – who may not realise that they are over burdened. 

The impact on leaders with issues around the need to balance authentic honesty, with taking very difficult organisational decisions that can have an impact on people’s lives. Holding responsibility for workforce wellbeing, and the desire to compensate for the challenges of working in the sector, can be draining for CEOs. The scale of the challenges can feel overwhelming, and it is easy for leaders to feel they are ‘not coping’.  

When the ground shifts which has become apparent as the operating environment for charities suddenly changed. Many teams and communities are experiencing deep sadness, loss, isolation and fear as they witness growing need and falling income as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.  

Governance and strategy which states that the sector will not be able to meet challenges unless the mental health of staff and leadership is prioritised. Boards play an important role in highlighting mental health as an organisational priority if organisations are to do their best work, ensuring that leaders know they are not alone by giving them the permission they need to reach out and share the load.  

The report explores many issues that are too often put into the “too difficult”, “tomorrow” or “to introduce this may imply weakness” piles. 2021 will continue to bring pressures. Trustees and CEO’s are urged to take time out to read this report and consider the impact on their organisation.  

Andrew Rainsford, Policy and Research Officer, VSNW.  

Third Sector Grants Programme in Salford found to have significant positive impact

The Salford Third Sector Fund Grants Programme – a two year partnership between Salford CVS and Salford CCG,  funding voluntary and community groups supporting wellbeing – has been found to have a significant positive impact, valued at over £11.4m; over seven times the £1.6m awarded.  

The evaluation, which was carried out by Voluntary Sector North West and the Centre for Local Economic Strategies, found that the partnership was effective, the programme was well designed, and a robust application process has boosted overall standards in the third sector. 

Although Salford CCG funded the programme, Salford CVS were given relative freedom to administer the grants. The evaluation highlighted the importance of this degree of separation, saying that it had identified ‘the competency of Salford CVS in managing the programme from design, through to delivery; and in strategically developing the capacity of the voluntary and community sector.’

158 voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations in Salford received funding through the programme, in addition to 69 primary schools. A review of all the grants awarded showed that they generally promoted healthy eating in children, provided new community facilities and reduced isolation, and improved capacity in the third sector.   

The programme has been hailed as a success, and Salford CCG have already agreed to roll out the programme for another three years. The evaluation recommends that the values of the programme are ‘replicated across Greater Manchester’, and that the programme is joined up to other agendas.

Warren Escadale, VSNW’s Chief Executive said that “this highly successful grants programme shows that effective partnerships between the NHS and third sector are not about over prescriptive contracts but about developing a shared vision and framework, and then giving freedom to partners when they are best placed to deliver.”

“Our evaluation shows that grants can be the most effective way to award funds, particularly for smaller organisations who do not have the capacity to extensively monitor their own work. Trust between partners is vital, and the history of joint working between the NHS, council and third sector in Salford no doubt underpinned this.” 

To view the summary of the Salford Third Sector Fund Grants Programme, click here

To view the full evaluation of the Salford Third Sector Fund Grants Programme, click here

State of Caring 2016 Report

Carers UK’s State of Caring 2016 report shows that, one year on from the implementation of the Care Act 2014² – designed to improve support for carers – carers in England are still struggling to get the support they need to care well, maintain their own health, balance work and care, and have a life of their own outside of caring.

Carers’ experiences show that the positive rights outlined in the Care Act are not matching up with reality. Growing numbers of carers believe their quality of life will get worse over 2016 (54%), despite the Care Act being in force, compared with expectations last year (50%) before the legislation was introduced.

Under the new legislation, all carers are entitled to a timely assessment of their needs. Yet, shockingly, 1 in 3 carers (29%) who reported having an assessment in the past year had to wait six months or longer for it. More alarming still, over one-third of carers (39%) looking after someone at the end of their life had to wait six months or more for an assessment.

Not only are carers facing barriers to getting an assessment, but they told Carers UK that the assessments they have received are, consistently, not fit-for-purpose. Of carers who received an assessment in the past year:

• 2 in 3 (68%) felt their need to have regular breaks from caring was either not considered or not thoroughly considered
• Only 1 in 3 (35%) felt that support to look after their own health was thoroughly considered
• 3 in 4 working age carers (74%) did not feel that the support needed to juggle care with work was sufficiently considered
• 1 in 5 (21%) said they received little or no helpful information or advice, and felt they didn’t know where to go for support with caring

These findings are particularly stark in the wider context of reducing support services and changes to social security. Carers UK’s survey revealed further evidence that a reduction in public services is hitting carers and their families hard. 1 in 3 carers (34%) reported a change in the amount of care and support services they or the person they care for receive. Of these, over half (59%) saw a reduction in care and support services due to cost or availability; this includes 13% who said a service was closed with no replacement offered.

A full copy of the report is available on the Carers UK website.

Realising the Value Update

Regional Voices, of which VSNW are a member, has been part of a consortium working with NHS England, Nesta, Health Foundation, Behavioural Insights Team and 5 VCSE partner sites on a project to evidence the value of different approaches to person centred care and to find ways to encourage greater use and uptake. The project was hugely ambitious and complicated, and has met with some challenges over the past 18 months, but findings are starting to emerge and a project update is now available.

In preparation for a working day with commissioners, Nesta has produced an update of progress and next steps in the different workstreams. It is in the form of a ‘storybook’ which gives you an ‘in a nutshell’ overview of each of the workstreams: what they are about, who the products are aimed at, learning and next steps. The workstreams detailed in the storybook are:

·  Work with local partner sites and communities of interest (led by sites with Voluntary Voices)
·  Supporting culture change, underpinned by behavioural insights, for both health and care professionals, and individuals and communities (led by the Behavioural Insights Team)
·  Valuing the contributions of people and communities in health and care (led by Voluntary Voices)
·  Assessing system change levers and drivers (led by the Health Foundation)
·  Developing an evidence-based economic model and tools for commissioners (led by PPL)
·  At the heart of health (led by Health Foundation/Nesta)

Link - Realising the Value storybook